Re: Step in and grip openings on the starboard side of Bf 109E?
 

This must be a 'Friedrich', then...

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starboard side of Bf 109E?
 

As the canopy opened by swinging from portside to starboard, step and grip were usefull only on portside (Emil)...And yet were present too on the starboard of the Friedrich. To take easyer an emergency evacuation of the pilot by the mechanics after a crash or belly landing ?

Re: Step in and grip openings on the starboard side of Bf 109E?
 

In my opinion the most important reason for introducing the grip and the step at the starboard side was the fact, that for each start up of the engine a mechanic had to climb on the wing to turn the starter. Without those helps they would need a ladder.
Best regards
Erhard